Birch The Plaza (also known as Birch Plaza) is the first phase condominium project of a mixed development called Penang Times Square. Developed by Ivory Properties, this condominium was completed in end of 2008, and obtained its OC in February 2009. With a modern lifestyle concept, Birch The Plaza houses 395 typical units and 22 penthouse units. The overall GDV of this development is approximately RM1.538.2 billion.Birch The Plaza is strategically located in the heart of Georgetown, along Jalan Dato Keramat. It is easily accessible via Jalan Macalister, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Burma, Jelutong Expressway and many other major roads within Georgetown. Apart from the Penang Times Square shopping mall, the condo is also near to public amenities such as food outlets, bus station, other shopping malls (Gama, Prangin Mall & Komtar), post office, temples, school, and police station.It is noticeable that Ivory Properties has certainly done a great job by adopting a unique lifestyle concept for its residential project at Penang Times Square together with its commercial project. However, as this is a mixed development, there is high possibility of insufficient car parking bays. This would not only aggravate the existing busy traffic along Jalan Dato Keramat but will also promote illegal parking along the roadside. This would further choke the traffic at this area.
Property Details
Name: Birch The Plaza (also known as Birch Plaza) Address: Jalan Dato Keramat, 10200 Georgetown, Penang Developer: Ivory Properties Completion Date: End of 2008 Type: Condominium & Shopping Complex Tenure: Freehold No. of Blocks: 2 No. of Storey: 21 No. of Units Condominium Standard: 395
Penthouse: 22
Shopping Complex Retail Lot: 203
Maintenance Fee: RM0.20 psf Launch Price: RM250,000 onwards Subsale Price: Rental: Layouts
Type A 1,010 sf 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms Type A1 1,070 sf 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + balcony Type B 1,020 sf 2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms Type B1 1,080 sf 2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + balcony Type C 1,050 sf 2+1 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms Type C1 1,110 sf 2+1 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + balcony Type D 1,130 sf 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms Type D1 1,180 sf 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + balconyFacilities
24-hour security Swimming pool Children's pool Children's playground Outdoor Jacuzzi with bubble jets Jogging track BBQ pits Foot reflexology path Landscaped garden with water features Clubhouse Multipurpose hall Gymnasium Games room Sauna rooms Management officeAnalysis
Being the first phase of the residential project of a much-talked-about mixed development called Penang Times Square, it is undeniable that Birch The Plaza really stands out from the other condominiums in Penang. However, it is a waste that there is not much of difference when one makes comparison among the eight types of layout plans as all the layouts come with approximately similar built-up areas. Apart from that, it is also noticeable that Type B, B1, C and C1 units have awkward layouts as the kitchen is located exactly in the middle of the house. To certain property owners, this may be a new and modern concept but in terms of practicality, it appears weird for one to cook in the middle of the house. Potential property buyers should also take note that Type D and D1 units have sharp corners in the layout. According to Fengshui masters, sharp corners in a property may bring bad luck to the residents. However, this may not be a big issue to most people as it only applies to Fengshui followers. Birch The Plaza may be strategically located in the middle of Georgetown on Penang Island. However, one should seriously take note that most roads in Georgetown are rather narrow and this certainly includes that main access road to Birch The Plaza, Jalan Dato Keramat. Apart from being narrow, Jalan Dato Keramat is a busy road with heavy traffic flow most of the time, especially during peak hours. By looking at the current subsale value of Birch The Plaza, the pricing trend seems to have soared by approximately by 30 to 40% since the launching of this condo project. This could be due to the developer's status as well as the full condo facilities offered. However, when compared the price with the daily traffic condition as well as the fact that it's being surrounded by pre-war houses and many other old buildings, some property buyers believe that this condo project might have been over-rated.
